On Friday I had the unique privilege to have a one on one meeting with Chancellor Hance. It was a result of the emails I’ve sent over the past two years combined with the good fortune of having three mutual friends/colleagues who vouched for me. I was definitely on a “list” or in a "category" – due to the emails I sent at the time Leach was terminated, not recently. I know this because the Chancellor told me point blank at the start of the meeting. While I never did cuss, do any name-calling or threaten anything, a couple of my emails were harsh. I sincerely apologized because that is not how I want to communicate or be perceived.

Before going any further, I would like to say this is meant to be a POSITIVE post. I would really appreciate it if folks would restrain themselves from Hance bashing. Please? Pretty please? We will never have forward progress without being positive, respectful and helpful (umm...see paragraph above...yep). The fact that he met with me at all is a very good sign in my opinion. It would have been easy for him to ignore me. But he didn't.

Our meeting lasted for about 40 minutes. We had a good discussion. He shared his views, then listened and was open-minded when he heard the concerns many disenfranchised alumni have expressed*. I shared the points that folks really want to heal the divide and they want to be acknowledged, thus outreach from the administration would be meaningful. I also mentioned that it’s not about football. (*Disclaimer: I know these points are not those expressed by everyone on DTN, but they have been expressed by many here and also by other Red Raiders I know.)

He asked for outreach suggestions and was receptive to the ideas we discussed. Understandably, there were no firm commitments made. The fact that he was willing to meet speaks volumes. The really, really, really good news is: after sitting across the table from Chancellor Hance for 40 minutes – and believe me, I could tell I was not his favorite person when he walked in the room – I am convinced that he heard the message and he cares. How awesome is that?! I had no idea what to expect, but I wouldn’t have guessed he would be so open-minded. It was a pleasant and welcome surprise.

One step at a time…and this is a great first step!!! Yay!!